*<drink name="Elsa's bar" alt="" address="Leigong Xiang 雷公巷" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Young yet not so local girls talk to older western business men until the early hours for increasingly expensive drinks, beware nothing else is available in these kind of talking bars, do not run a tab and pay for each drink as and when it is served and in your hand.

*<drink name="Elsa's bar" alt="" address="Leigong Xiang 雷公巷" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Young yet not so local girls talk to older western business men until the early hours for increasingly expensive drinks, beware nothing else is available in these kind of talking bars, do not run a tab and pay for each drink as and when it is served and in your hand.

−

Since short they changed their business way with several nice phillipine girls, keeping asking for drinks all the time, and not just beer, no wine or their fake pink lady. If you buy a bottle of wine, keep it in front of you otherwise they change it for an empty bottle. If you talk or play dice the girls themselves decide to start to drink their pink lady on your account. I have seen they emptied 2 within 5 minutes per person and the second they gave back to the girl behind the bar to fill it up again. Really guys, its a big scam, you get cheated and you will end up with a huge amount to pay and maybe you just came there to have some nice talking and a beer. Be warned, this is by far the worse lao wai place to stay at this moment (2014) in Ningbo.</drink>

Since short they changed their business way with several nice phillipine girls, keeping asking for drinks all the time, and not just beer, no wine or their fake pink lady. If you buy a bottle of wine, keep it in front of you otherwise they change it for an empty bottle. If you talk or play dice the girls themselves decide to start to drink their pink lady on your account. I have seen they emptied 2 within 5 minutes per person and the second they gave back to the girl behind the bar to fill it up again. Really guys, its a big scam, you get cheated and you will end up with a huge amount to pay and maybe you just came there to have some nice talking and a beer. Be warned, this is by far the worse lao wai place to stay at this moment (2014) in Ningbo.</drink>

Understand

Downtown Ningbo

Ningbo is a prosperous city in Zhejiang and also one of the most popular tourist cities in Eastern China.

The people of Ningbo have throughout their history had a deep affinity for the ocean. Two thousand years ago, Xu Fu, a necromancer of the Qin Dynasty (221-207 B.C.), led a fleet from here, thus becoming the first to commence China's exchanges with other countries. In the early 20th century "Hong-band" tailors from Ningbo traveled extensively throughout China making their living.

Covering an area of 9,365 km², Ningbo is a coastal city in Zhejiang Province. It lies on the south of the populous Yangtze River Delta and faces the East China Sea to the east. It possesses two main mountain ranges within its boundaries, Siming Mountain and Tiantai Mountain. Yuyao, Fenghua and Yongjiang Rivers are flowing through the city area.

After the Opium Wars in the 19th century, China was forced to open five Treaty Ports for foreign trade, including Ningbo. The others were Guangzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou and Shanghai. However, Ningbo dominated the foreign trade.

The recently-completed Hangzhou Bay Bridge, linking the municipalities of Ningpo and Shanghai, has increased foreign investment and economic integration between Ningbo and Shanghai.

Ningbo is not only a very important port city but also the engine of the economy on the east coast of China. Ningbo started foreign trade in the 7th century and has since become a major exporter of electrical products, textiles, food, and industrial tools in China today.

Climate

Ningbo enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate featuring high relative humidity and distinctive seasons. July is the hottest month (average daily temperature 29°C) and January the coldest (4°C). As the frost-free period lasts 230 - 240 days annually it is suitable for the growth of grain, cotton and oil plants. The annual precipitation averages 1,300- 1,400 mm.

By train

Ningbo South Railway Station (宁波火车南站), ☎+86 0574 5616-3111.

Can be found downtown and most hotels are a short taxi ride away. Trying to get a taxi outside the station is virtually impossible. The tickets office is open from 6:15AM-7:45PM to the right side of the station.

From Hangzhou

Hangzhou Railway Station 杭州火车站 is located in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou.

About 10 "D" trains (fast trains, or 动车) run from Hangzhou South Station in Xiaoshan to Ningbo daily, and take about an hour and a half. An additional 10 trains run from Hangzhou Station (the "City Station," or 城站) to Ningbo daily and average slightly longer travel times. Perhaps another dozen "K" and "Z" trains travel to Ningo from Hangzhou South Station and Hangzhou Station daily, taking as long as 4 1/2 hours.

From Shanghai

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station 上海虹桥站 is the main high-speed railway station in Shanghai. There are frequent high-speed trains to Ningbo, and onward to Wenzhou, Fuzhou and Xiamen.

Shanghai South Station 上海南站 is located in Xuhui District. Slower trains leave here.

All trains from Shanghai to Ningbo go through Hangzhou. The trains now use old slow railway between Hangzhou and Ningbo, but a new 300 km/h high-speed rail is near complete and will open later in 2012.

Get around

Ningbo is so much bigger than the small downtown area, staying downtown can fill a few days but its just like any major city. To really see some jaw dropping parts of Ningbo you have to adventure into the outer districts. Where you will meet the kindest of people with the warmest of smiles. Breathtaking mountain ranges steeped in a deep and meaningful history that has been relatively undisturbed.

Cars are by far the easiest way of seeing the whole of Ningbo, with a GPS or with a local friend you can enjoy stumbling around until you find your destination or somewhere better by mistake.

Taxis are ¥10 for the first 3.5 km plus ¥2 fuel tax. Bus is ¥1 (¥2 with air conditioning), but you must know the bus routes - stops are not announced in English.

Rental Cars: Are available at the hall of Ningbo Lishe International Airport.

Motor Bikes - Although Downtown Ningbo does not permit motorbikes a bike can be rented outside of downtown and can make an enjoyable way of reaching the outer districts. Be sure to also rent a helmet or take your own.

Ningbo Ocean World 宁波海洋世界, 936 Sangtian Rd, Jiangdong (Next to the Children's Park). M-F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa Su 8:30AM-6PM. It is one of the most striking large-sized aquariums in China.Adults ¥150, children ¥50, Tour ¥70.

Ningbo Tianfeng Ta, Commercial St 城 隍庙商业步行街 (Close to Chenghuang Temple). Ningbo Tianfeng Tower was originally built during the Tang Dynasty (695-696) then rebuilt during the Song Dynasty (1144). Tianfeng Ta has seven “obvious” stories and seven “hidden” stories, with four more reportedly buried underground.

Baoguo Temple, (Bus Route: 332). 8:30AM-4:30PM. Baoguo Temple is seated on the mountainside of Lingshan Mountain, about 15 km (9 mi) away from downtown. As a cultural relic spot under state-level protection, it was initially established in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and rebuilt and expanded in later dynasties. The present Baoguo Temple is a mixture of constructions made by various dynasties.¥12.

Ayuwang (Ashoka) Temple. (bus 759 or 790 from Ningbo East Bus Station) Legend says the Sheli Pagoda here wasn't built, but rose from the ground. This active monastery 20 km (12 mi) from Ningbo houses a bone fragment of Sakyamuni, Buddhism's founder, as well as artifacts, paintings and calligraphy - some personally written by Chinese emperors. Legend has it that the monk who found it was looking for one of the many Sheli pagodas that the Indian ruler Ayuwang (Ashoka) had established throughout the world. The monk was walking in the area and heard a bell ringing from underground. He sat down and prayed for three days and three nights, at which point the pagoda came surging up from beneath the ground. A temple was eventually completed on the site in 522 and named.

Hemudu, (Bus 333 from Ningbo, 6AM-5PM). 8AM-5PM. In the outer district of Yuyao about 90 minutes by road from down town Ningbo in the flourishing countryside. Hemudu has a small but good museum with signs in English. Displayed are a still playable 6-7,000-year-old bone flute, rice, plough shares, weaving, inlaid-bone and wood carvings, and jade ornaments. ¥25, student ¥13.

Tiantong National Forest Park. (bus 162 from Ningbo East Bus Station) Located in Taibai Mountains, 25 km (16 mi) from Ningbo City proper, the Tiantong National Forest Park covers an area of 334 hectares, with green peaks rising one higher than the other. The park is home to nearly 1,000 species of plants, including a large number of fine tree species, such as Henry emmenopterys, ginkgo trees, Henry ormosias and Tianmu Mountain lily magnolias, in addition to some rare medicinal herbs, such as five-leaf gynostemmas, glabrons sarcandras, fortune plumyews, many-leaf paris and diverse leaf jack in the pulpits. A total of 119 Chinese herbal medicines found here are included in the China Pharmacopoeia. For this reason it bears the name "natural botanical garden in east Zhejiang Province."

Nanxi Hot Spring. Nanxi Hot Spring lies in in the outer district of Ninghai, Nanxi Village of Shentianchuan Township, 76 km (47 mi) to the downtown of Ninghai County. With a forest resource of 9,627 hectares or 9,627 mu, the scenic area was approved by the State Department of Forestry in 1991 as a national forest park, and thus it became one of the ten best scenic spots in Ningbo. As a well-known hot-spring resort in Zhejiang, the park is featured in its peaceful mountains, clear waters and dense forests.

Xuedou Mount. Xikou Xuedou Mount Scenic Spot located in the outer district of Fenghua, labeled as the abode for immortals on the sea, is 35 km (22 mi) away from the downtown area. It is made up of Xikou town, Xuedou Mount and Tingxia Lake. It covers an area of 85 m² and has over 60 scenic spots. To enable a better appreciation of the natural beauty of the Xuedou Mount of Xikou, Fenghua, a sightseeing train that costs ¥60 million has been built and will be put to use soon. The train has six cars, being able to accommodate 36 people.

Songlan Mountain Beach. There are many such beaches along the coast of the outer district Xiangshan as well as a great many islands, while Songlan Mountain is the first major developed marine tourism scenic area and has been built into a provincial seaside resort. At present, projects, including on-sea activities center, Songlan Mountain City, Provincial Sailboat Training Base and Wildlife Park, etc, have been successively completed. The coastal sightseeing road has also been opened from the Songlan Mountain to Baisha Bay beach and Zhao Wuniang Temple. The promotion of characteristic tourist items such as beach leisure activities, on-sea sport, hunting on sea island will make you experience the pleasure of marine tourism.

King Osaka Temple. King Osaka Temple lies at the bottom of Taibai Mountain which is 16 km (10 mi) from the east of Ningbo. It is one of the five famous Buddhist mountains in china. The temple has a history of more than 1700 years. The temple plays an important role in the Sino-Japanese culture exchange in the Buddhist history.

Shanglin Lake Kiln Site. Shanglin Lake Kiln Site is situated in the area near Shanglin Lake, Cixi City. It is a national key cultural protection unit. The celadon produced by the kiln is famous for its color and quality. Shanglin Lake is an important source and base for celadon in China. The ancient kiln from Han Dynasty to Song Dynasty number more than 100.

Qiantong, Ninghai ancient town (前童古镇). Qiantong, Ninghai is an ancient town south of the Yangtze River. About 10 km (6 mi) from Ninghai, it is straightforward to get to because the G15 highway from Ningbo heads directly there with an off-ramp nearby. If you have a car, driving is the best way, it takes about 1:15-1:30 to get there. It is also possible to go on a bus from Ninghai, which can be reached from the long distance bus station in Ningbo. Among the 2000 household here 80% of them have “Tong” as the surname. Since it is located in front of the Baixi river, it is named Qiantong (“Qian” meaning “before” or "in front of"). The town has been around more than 760 years, successive generations of Tongs choosing to remain here. If you've been to other "ancient towns" in China, you will know that they run the gamut of being fully functioning towns as just as they were hundreds of years ago, to tourist dumps with nothing but trinket shops and unwashed hordes. This town receives about 300 to 500 tourists a day (according to the locals) and is large enough that you can spend about an hour wandering around. The level of preservation is still very good, although there were a few buildings being rebuilt in the "old style". This town strikes a decent balance between having some tourists, while maintaining its role as a functioning village. It seems like they've built up the infrastructure to really push more tourism though, despite relatively few making the trip out, so you might want to check the place out now before it becomes overrun. 40Y.

Film and TV City. Located in Ningbo's outer district of Xiangshan it is about 140 km (87 mi)from Ningbo.The city wall that surrounds Xiangshan Film and TV City in Zhejiang province of China is 400 m long, 10 m high and 6 m wide, with two city gates. The entire complex was built as a film set for the filming of 'A Couple of Chivalrous Swordspersons and Their Supernatural Eagles', complete with mansion houses, lakes, village streets, squares, caves and ponds. It is now open as a tourist attraction.

Ningbo Five Dragon Pool, Wulongtan Scenic & Historic Site, ☎88049777, [2]. 7:30AM-4PM. This park has a small waterfall, several hundred year old temple, and scenic hiking trails alongside the mountains. A taxi service is available for those that are not interested in hiking to the top, but want to see the mountain ranges in a convenient setting. ¥40.

Wild Crane Pool. The scenic area of Wild Crane Pool has rich natural landscapes, of which there are steep and exotic sights of waterfall and pool which is as long as 2.5 km (1.5 mi) and rich animal and vegetable resources. There are also ravines extending vertically and horizontally, luxuriant woods, rich medicinal materials, clean and quiet environment, fresh air, cool and pleasant climate, graceful and beautiful landscape.

Shipu Harbor, (You may get to China Fishing Village directly by taking Fishing Village luxury bus at Ningbo South Coach Station or reach Xiangshan first and then take Shipu passenger vehicle there.). Located in the outer district of Xiangshan, Shipu is an ancient Town and Fishing Harbor. The ceremony of China Fishing Festival is held here and thousands of fishing boars setting out to the sea from the harbor constitutes a spectacular scene. The Shipu Harbor is now one of the four multitude fishing harbors in our country, a window to get contact with Taiwan and the second-class opening port of the country.

Putuoshan. the beautiful if over-touristed Buddhist island is a short bus ride and boat trip away, but can feel like a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the city. The ticket (bus and boat included) costs approximately ¥60, and the island has an additional ¥160 entrance fee. The pier is next to the the Waitan, and the last boat of the day is in the early afternoon - there are more boats, operating later, during the tourist season.

Modern Art Gallery (府桥街60号), 60 Fuqiao Jie, ☎+86 0574 8728-7177. A shop with paintings in various styles around the corner from the shopping area of Fuqiao Jie.

Wanda Cinema.

Live Music: NEO:Rush, 14-1 Da He Alley, Zhongshan East Rd (省宁波市江东区中山东路), ☎18606863388. Sun - Tue 9pm onwards. NEO:Rush both live and in the studio produce an improvised jazz and electronica fusion. NEO has a loyal following of discerning listeners who frequently travel from the surrounding cities to spend a night enjoying there exceptionally laid-back groves over a blottle of wine. When not on tour in Europe NEO:Rush takes residency and records in the back room at LBB Beer House in downtown Ningbo. LBB provides rare yet intimate atmosphere to appreciate a world class band. Thursday - Sunday can often be incredibly busy; show up early to get a seat at a table. Call if you are unsure if the band is on tour (normally in the summer months)Free.

Ningbo Historic Museum (宁波博物馆), 1000 Shounan Zhong Lu,Yinzhou, Ningbo, Zhejiang (宁波市鄞州区首南中路1000号), ☎82815533, [3]. closes 4pm. Ningbo Historic Museum designed by Wang Shu of Amateur Architecture Studio, is a massive sculptural form, referencing the nearby mountains, with a facade formed of salvaged bricks from demolished buildings. The building has been cut through with large voids and chasms, creating a roof-scape with the scale of a traditional village, in contemporary architectural language. The exhibits are nothing special, but the architecture of the museum is outstanding.free.

TianYi Pavilion (天一阁), Tianyi Street No. 5, Haishu District, (浙江省宁波市海曙区天一街5号, China) (Bus Route: 2, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 19, 821), ☎+86 574 8729 3526, [4]. Tianyi Pavilion is the oldest private library in existence in China. Tianyi Pavilion was built in 1561 in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The Tianyi Pavilion is not only world famous for its wide collection of books, but also for its unique architecture and elegant landscape. The Tianyi Pavilion has a flush gable roof, and is six bays wide and deep, with a corridor extending from the front to the back. In front of the pavilion is a pond that stores water for fireproof. Fan Wenguang, Fan Qin's great-grandson, rebuilt the pavilion by laying rockery around the lake, building kiosks and bridges, planting flowers and grass in the fourth year (1665) of the Kangxi reign in the Qing Dynasty. The whole pavilion and the milieu feature the style of private gardens south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. During its rebuilding in 1933, the Zunjing Pavilion of Confucian Temple in Ningbo was moved to the backyard. Steles from the Song (960-1279) to Qing Dynasties in Ningbo City were also put there. These steles and the Zunjing Pavilion are called the Stele Forest in Mingzhou.

Ningbo Museum of Art (宁波美术馆), 122 Renmin Road, Jiangbei District / 浙江省宁波市江北区人民路122号 (Bus: 外滩 / LaoWaiTan), ☎0574-87643222, [5]. Ningbo Museum of Art, opened 2005, designed by WANG Shu & LU Wenyu of Amateur Architecture Studio. The striking building features large operable panels that allow the entire upper-level gallery space to be opened to the elements; the materials and the entry bridges make reference to the old docks along the Ningbo Bund. Located immediately to the north of the Old Bund / LaoWaiTan area.

Shangri-La Health Club, ☎+86 0574 8799-8888, [9]. Besides the spacious gym, there is an indoor heated swimming pool (with separate children's pool) featuring natural daylight where guests can enjoy revitalising dips and two outdoor tennis courts, as well as daily and personal training classes, services and programming combined with personalised service in an atmosphere of comfort and convenience.

Yoga Acharya, ☎+86 13484200289, [10]. Born into a family of teachers and counselors in India, Yoga Acharya Ganesh continues his family's lineage of spreading mind-body-spirit health through yoga and ancient Eastern practices.

Ningbo Focus (ningbo focus), [11]. Local city magazine with a pretty comprehensive directory and local news, restaurant reviews and pretty much what you'd expect from a city magazine. The magazine is usually anywhere expats tend to hang out, and the website seems to be updated regularly.

Buy

As a foreigner, you can exchange your money at all major banks. A maybe wiser alternative is to use your foreign debit card. International ATMs (Plus/Maestro) can give about ¥2,500 (about 250,- Euros) out of each ATM at every transaction, up to a total maximum of ¥5,000 each day depending on your bank, which should be sufficient. International ATMs can be found all over the place and often have an English language option available before you insert your card.

If dealing in foreign cash, it is also wise to carry USD, as some of the major banks only buy and sell in it.

Markets

Cheng Huang Temple, Commercial Street 城 隍庙商业步行街. 9am til 8:30pm. Lots of small stalls selling mostly clothes, a great place to find cheap gifts to take back home

Supermarkets

Metro (麦德隆超市), 1 Maidelong Road, Ningbo City， 宁波麦德隆路1号 Tel: +86-(0) 574-88208888. Strictly speaking this is a wholesale store for restaurants and caterers. But shelves do stock smaller quantities of most items. In addition to food related items, you can for example, buy reliable quality underwear, shoes and jackets etc. One criticism often heard on the lips of foreigners is that supply of stock is sometimes unreliable. But given the opening hours of the store which are appropriate for caterers and restauranteurs (early in the morning to late at night) its possible that some items are simply sold out and that day time re-stocking activities frustrate customers making their way down aisles. Have no fear for parking - there is plenty of it with a massive car park part of the compound. There are not many immediately obvious places to eat out near Metro. So don't go on an empty stomach or be prepared to snack on some of your purchases. Strictly speaking you will need a Metro card to purchase. But obtaining one is free and easy. Be aware that check out staff will insist on you having one while perhaps having only Chinese to try and explain this to you. If you are not prepared to sign up for one or are in a hurry - other shoppers will often lend you their card.

Sanfo is the leading outdoor gear stores in China and their store in Ningbo is located at 1227-1229 Baizhang Dong Lu, Jiangdong District

Auchan, 160 Cuibai Lu 翠柏路160号, ☎0574-8707-2987. The floor layout can get confusing, first you have to go to the top floor, then find the escalator back down to get to the food hall

Auchan, 1188 Baizhang Dong Lu 百丈东路1188号, ☎0574-2790-5864.

Ole Supermarket. Loads of imported products, and good chicken breasts.

Eat

Western Food

O'Reilly's Irish Pub & Restaurant (爱尔兰酒吧). 46-9 North Caihong Rd near the Ningbo Sheraton Portman Plaza (市江东区彩虹北路46-9号, 波特曼大街上). Steaks, burgers, appetizers, all day breakfast, and low priced sub sandwiches (¥25/6 inch; yen;35/12 inch). Beer selection is good, and although the imported draft beers (Guinness, Kilkenny, Stella, 1664) are more pricey than bottles, they have "Happy Hour" all day before 8PM when draft beers are discounted to "Happy Hour" pricing. Waitresses speak excellent English and Chinese.

Bar Celona Wine Bar & Kitchen (宁波江东区 彩虹北路46-12号（波特曼大街上）旁宁波东港喜来登酒店). Opened in 2013 and located at 46-12 Caihong North Rd near the Ningbo Sheraton Portman Plaza. A compact street front, neighborhood eatery serving good modern Spanish tapas cuisine in a casual setting with plenty of sangria. Waiters speak so-so English and Chinese.

Picanha Brazilian BBQ (比卡亚巴西烧烤). No.1-4 Lane 230 Jiefang South Road, 2nd Floor of Century Plaza(宁波市解放南路230弄1-4号大梁街口世纪广场二楼). Pretty good Brazilian BBQ, buffet style. Can be pricey depending on the option (¥228 for meat/buffet/unlimited beer or ¥128 for meat/buffet),the food is good and chefs are actual Brazilians. If meat is what you desire, then this is the place. +86 574 87360077, [34].

Banana Leaf Curry House (老外滩中马路69号), Zhongma Lu 69 Hao, Lao Waitan, ☎0574-87352600. Opposite the Shamrock Irish Pub. The English-speaking staff gladly advises on their offerings and more than gladly surprise you with a selection of their meals.

Pizza Pino, 1041B, Zone C, Heyi Avenue Shopping Center, 66 Heyi Lu 和义路66号和义大道购物中心C区1041B, ☎0574-8389-9535. The only place in Ningbo with a wood fired oven but ruins the pizza by not using buffalo mozzarella.

Da Bossi Ristorante, 139 Zhongma Lu, Lao Waitan 老外滩中马路139号, ☎0574-8657-8777. A very fine and fancy Italian. Get a group together and enjoy an open fire in a private dining rooms on the 3rd floor. Book ahead as it gets busy.

Chinese Food

Ningbo's local seafood style is called "Yong cuisine".

TianXiang YuanKongZhong ShiShang CanTing (Revolving Restaurant), 35/F, 181 Zhongshan Dong Road. They are open most of the day, but evening is best. They close at 9pm, so go at least before 7pm. Book in advance if you want a window seat. Reservation Telephone : 0574-8725-7177 – 0. Two of you can eat a basic meal for about ¥100-200, though if you want to splurge and try out the delicacies on their rather large menu be prepared to pay more.

Shipu Restaurant (石浦大酒店) [35]. Two locations, 60 Yangyue Jie (tel:8732 8777) at Moon Lake, and 7 Gongqing Road (tel:8730 7470) at Tian Yi Square. Considered one of the best restaurants in Ningbo.

Feast Modern Restaurant 87 Huaishu Lu 槐树路87号(tel:574-8735-1111) Probably the best Chinese decor in Ningbo. Located in a 200 year old Qing Dynasty merchant house which has been totally renovated, the restaurant offers early twentieth century Shanghai furniture style. The dishes offered are mainly from the region but tend to be more sophisticated than the usual fare found in the city, in general it is excellent. The menu is in Chinese but there are a lot of pictures. Located downtown, 5 minutes or less by taxi from Tianyi Square and Lao Wai Tan.

Ba Yu Xiaozhan (巴渝小栈). 30 Jicao St. (宁波市箕漕街30号). A nondescript Sichuanese restaurant with excellent and affordable food. Grilled fish, Kungpao Chicken, and other spicy cuisine. Fairly clean with modest interior. Located near Baizhang Road, and within walking distance from the Portman/Sheraton.

Fei Teng Yu Xiang (沸腾鱼乡) Leigong Alley (Adjacent to Portman Sheraton Hotel) (宁波市江东区雷公巷）Inexpensive but expertly prepared Sichuan cuisine. This place is a bit of a local favorite among expats and Chinese alike, famous for its boiling fish dish that gives it its namesake (the dish is on the first page of the menu). Stays open super late and the spicy fried potatoes (think Sichuan french fries) are perfect after a night out if you're in the area (Portman bars are nearby). Just ask for 'gan bian tu dou tiao' if you're a foreigner and you come relatively close they'll know what you want. About 60元 per person with beers.

Drink

Beer at cheaper restaurants is quite weak and bland, and often not very cold. Foreign and more expensive Chinese restaurants have export-quality Tsingdao and European or Japanese beers.

All over Ningbo many bars often have happy hour specials with buy-one-get-one until 8PM or buy-two-get-one after 8PM on select beers, just ask before you order. In the Lao Wai Tan area there are many bars yet there always empty and over priced as the competition is fierce. Home to Le Cargo the late night sleazy disco that normally end up in a fight and the police being called.

There are a few bars by the side of the Sheraton attract the new business men in town who like to rub shoulders and tell each other the stories they've read in the china guide books, or start offering each other shares in an idea! before running back to safety of there hotels. You will also find some foreign students trying to cross over into business around here too.

Business men at one time or another will trade from the outer district of Beilun. Many bars have been springing up to cater to them before they make the short trip back to downtown, alternatively next to every bar area you can find a cheap hotel if you dont have a driver and fancy a few more drinks.

If your staying in a hotel get a business card or two before leaving the hotel so you can always get a taxi home by showing the card to your driver no matter how late it is!

Bars

"LBB", 14 Da He Alley (大河巷14号）Tucked away down a little alley, you will find the oldest bar in Ningbo, a cool, sophisticated yet unpretentious bar where you can relax and unwind from a hectic day, often referred to as "The Bar" LBB is a great place to meet other foreigners and exchange stories and contacts. LBB is out of the way, they don't advertise, the bar is far removed from the Lao Waitan crowd and they seem to like it like that. The bar has a great atmosphere, medium-range prices and a relaxed and friendly vibe. The long running pool competition on Thursdays attracts a mixed crowd of teachers, business men and locals alike. Choose your own music, free Wifi, bar snacks, satellite TV, good range of cold beers. Open every day from 7:30pm and stays open till the last person goes home. LBB is The closest thing you'll find to your local bar from back home, the cute staff speak English and there's no funny business with the bill. Locals run tabs and buy bottles.

"O'Reilly's Irish Pub & Restaurant", (爱尔兰酒吧). 46-9 North Caihong Rd near the Ningbo Sheraton Portman Plaza (市江东区彩虹北路46-9号, 波特曼大街上). A busy and popular bar with a mix of Sheraton guests and established local residents. Serving good pub food all day including Steaks, burgers, appetizers, all day breakfast, and low priced sub sandwiches (¥25/6 inch; yen;35/12 inch). Beer selection is good, and although the imported draft beers (Guinness, Kilkenny, Stella, 1664) are more pricey than bottles, they have "Happy Hour" all day before 8PM when draft beers are discounted to "Happy Hour" pricing. Waitresses speak excellent English and Chinese.

"The Office", located in Lao Waitan. Under new ownership. Drinks are at or below other spots in Laowaitan. Always someone to talk to.

Buddha's Bar & Bistro, located just inside the entrance to Lao Wai Tan, Buddha's is an Asian style lounge catered to foreigners. Guests can enjoy NO MSG Chinese classics in either set meals or tapas style along with chill music, comfortable atmosphere, home-grown art and decor, and draft/bottle selections different from most places in town. Murphy's, Fuller's Honey Lager, San Miguel and Tiger on draft. Beer Lao is a signature bottle for the bar.

"CMK Music House", Qian Hu Tian Di (钱湖北路399号)The wandering music house has finally, and thankfully, found a permanent home in Yinzhou. Atmosphere is good downstairs, but the upstairs plays host to live shows which are well managed. Recently there have been themed dance parties which are cheap or free and usually play fun, unpretentious music. Fun place, and a good place to get your music venue fix when they've got shows. Ask around or check their Facebook page for events.

"dsky home" Qian Hu Tian Di (钱湖北路399号) This coffee shop/wine bar/furniture store hybrid (?) nails the atmosphere. Desserts are good, probably the only Key Lime Pie you'll find outside of Shanghai or Beijing. One of the best wine lists in town. Everything in the store is for sale and the shop plays host to English board game nights on Tuesdays. Very chill and quiet.

Legends Bar, 141 Leigong Xiang 雷公巷141号 (down a small street opposite the Sheraton Hotel), ☎+86 13967860446. One of the infamous girlie talking bars where unsuspecting tourists or business men buy rounds of drinks for the girls with the expectation of a little more change at the end of the night than they actually get. Do not run a tab and pay for the drinks as you get them. Experience the most stinky bathroom in Ningbo.

Shooters Bar, 78 Renmin Lu, Lao Waitan 老外滩人民路78号, ☎+86 13884469217, [15]. cool decoration with hand painted pictures on the walls and Chinese style stool based seating. The bar is of a medium to large size and has great and pretty staff. you go there for the shots and the staff and location.(29.878839,121.55545)

Z Rocks, 43-47 Zhongma Lu, Lao Waitan 老外滩中马路43-47号, ☎+86 0574 8735-9063. Getting a drink is not easy as the bar staff do not speak one word of English, terrible Chinese band tries there best, often empty. rightVery Expensive.

The Garden, Lao Waitan (just next to the river), ☎+86 15957425880. A great place when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, outdoor seating next to the river with super cheap drinks and student music makes this the choice place for students and those on an extreme budget.Budget.

Harley Bar, 18 Ma Yuan Rd (just a bit further out of the center of town), ☎+86 13003728695. Has a great feeling about the place, pool table, decent food, live music, clean American style bar. nice but always empty

Nancy's Bar, 103-2 Zhenming Lu 镇明路103—2号, ☎+86 0574 8731-8266, [16]. A whole evening wrapped into one with Thai food being served upstairs and a full bar downstairs, you can enjoy a few drinks whilst waiting for a table or enjoy a few Thai snacks at the bar over a cold beer.

Le Cargo, 33 Yangshan Xiang, Lao Waitan 老外滩羊山巷33号, ☎+86 0574 8766-5552, [17]. 6PM-2AM. Late night pick up joint complete with bar brawls and police raids. Standard disco music to get the local girls and students strutting there stuff. Small yet cram packed at the weekends.

Legends Bar, 141 Leigong Xiang 雷公巷141号 (down a small street opposite the Sheraton Hotel), ☎+86 13967860446. One of the infamous girlie talking bars where unsuspecting tourists or business men buy rounds of drinks for the girls with the expectation of a little more change at the end of the night than they actually get. Do not run a tab and pay for the drinks as you get them. Experience the most stinky bathroom in Ningbo.

Bass Clef Bar, 168 Zhongma Lu, Lao Waitan 老外滩中马路168号, ☎+86 13958274535. One of the better bars in Lao Waitan, a small intimate bar that is well lit with a mini stage for live music.

Elsa's bar, Leigong Xiang 雷公巷. Young yet not so local girls talk to older western business men until the early hours for increasingly expensive drinks, beware nothing else is available in these kind of talking bars, do not run a tab and pay for each drink as and when it is served and in your hand. Since short they changed their business way with several nice phillipine girls, keeping asking for drinks all the time, and not just beer, no wine or their fake pink lady. If you buy a bottle of wine, keep it in front of you otherwise they change it for an empty bottle. If you talk or play dice the girls themselves decide to start to drink their pink lady on your account. I have seen they emptied 2 within 5 minutes per person and the second they gave back to the girl behind the bar to fill it up again. Really guys, its a big scam, you get cheated and you will end up with a huge amount to pay and maybe you just came there to have some nice talking and a beer. Be warned, this is by far the worse lao wai place to stay at this moment (2014) in Ningbo.

Bourbon Street (中马路86弄5号), Zhongma Lu 86 Long 5 Hao (Lao Waitan), ☎+86 0574 8738-8898. Latin music bar with live band that starts at 9:30PM. Recently redecorated and rewired to give a superb Latin sound and feel.

Only Pub, Yaojiang Rd No 20, Beilun, ☎+86 13586858399. 6PM-. Situated on the busiest bar street with well over 20 bars, Only Pub is run by a tight group of young fun loving people. A simple bar with little choice but a sound start for a good night out

Uno Bar, No: 354 Dahuangqiao S St, Yuyao, ☎+86 13248661011 ([email protected]), [18]. A tiny little bar, in fact the only foreigners bar in Yuyao, run by a German guy and his Philippine helpers who will rustle up some food for you if you call ahead. An ideal place to stop on the way home if you've been busy buying plastics all day in Yuyao.

Cafes

C2 Cafe, No. 115 Portman Jie, Caihong Bei Lu (next to Starbucks, to the side of the sheraton). Real Italian Lavazza Coffee, tables outside in the summer and smoking upstairs in the winter, the only place to get a perfect espresso

Randys Cafe, 82 Qian Long Rd (江东潜龙路82号) (Just behind the Sheraton Hotel), ☎+86 0574 8774-0112, [20]. Western style cafe with an extensive western and Chinese menu, coffee, juices, and a good beer selection. Western breakfasts on the weekends.

Night clubs

Club TNT (潮人会所), 月潮盛园街区盛园巷95号, ☎0574-87168999. The top dance club for Ningbo's locals with money to burn, occasionally you can find a few foreigners. Girls dancing on podiums, live DJ's, table service, drinks by the bottle.1200 table.

Tea Houses

Stay Healthy

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:

Budget

<¥200

Mid-range

¥200-600

Splurge

¥600+

New Century Grand Hotel Ningbo (宁波开元名都大酒店), 666 Shounan Road,Yinzhou District,Ningbo,Zhejiang, [23]. New Century Grand Hotel Ningbo is located in golden area of business investment in Ningbo---New Town Area of Yinzhou, which is next to governmental belt, with city flower "camellia" of Ningbo as the main designing factor.

Ningbo Sunny Hotel, 158 Xihe Rd, Haishu District, [27]. A 3-star business hotel with 105 tastefully appointed rooms. Impressive facilities include a well-equipped business center, conference rooms, and recreational facilities such as a spa and sauna. The hotel also serves sumptuous seafood fares in its Chinese restaurant.

Shangri-La Hotel, 88 Yuyuan Jie 豫源街88号, [32]. *Marriott Hotel, 188 He Yi Road, Haishu District, [33]. This place is palatial, by far the best hotel right in the middle of town, all restaurants and bars are within walking distance of this hotel.

Sheraton Hotel, 50 Caihong Rd N, ☎+86 0574 8768-8688.

Get out

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!